The Best Road Trips from Galway – Part 1

Poster: Ciara Geraghty

One of the great things about Galway’s location on the west coast is its proximity to so many beautiful and historical places. The problem is if you only have a few days to spend in Galway which road trips are you going to choose?

In the number of weeks I’m going to tell you my favourite road trips here but you can always plan your own or compile bits of each one together – it’s your adventure!

This is a great trip to take in the Wild Atlantic Way as well as experience Galway’s gaeltacht region and parts of Connemara.
Head west from Galway city along the coast road and pass through lot’s of colourful villages including the famous Salthill with it’s seaside promenade, and Barna & Spiddal in Galway’s Gaeltacht. There’s a great craft centre in Spiddal called An Ceardlann if you have time to stop.

The Coast Road along Salthill’s famous Promenade.

You really get a feel for the Wild Atlantic Way on this route; on a clear day you can see all the way across to the Cliffs of Moher and over to the Aran Islands.
The road will eventually curve away from the coast and you’ll come to Maam Cross. From here travel to Clifden which is a beautiful town and the largest in Connemara. There is a breath-taking scenic drive from Clifden along the Sky Road which has the most jaw-dropping views out over the Atlantic. There’s really no words except… wow!

The Sky Road.

Not far from the town is Derrygimlagh bog which is historical for 2 reasons:
1. Marconi built his first high power transatlantic long wave wireless telegraphy station here.
2. Alcock and Brown crash landed here on the first non-stop transatlantic flight mistaking the green bog for a meadow.

Marconi Tower at Derrygimlagh Bog, Clifden.

If you’re looking for a place to stop for lunch, I’d recommend travelling to Roundstone via Ballyconneely to take in some more amazing views. Roundstone is a lovely little fishing village popular with tourists during the summer months. There is a great seafood restaurant there called O’Dowd’s which is a great pit stop for some sustenance. They do a tasty seafood chowder!

Roundstone Harbour with the Twelve Bens in the background.

Take the R341 until you reach the N59 which will take you back to Galway via the rugged Twelve Bens mountains and serene mirror-like lakes.
Tip: Don’t forget your camera!

Stay tuned to our blog for Part #2 of our Best Road Trips from Galway.